Another Forest Official Shot Dead By Poachers In Odisha’s Similipal

Baripada: A forester was allegedly shot dead by poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, nearly a month after the killing of a forest guard in the sanctuary.

The deceased forester has been identified as Mati Hansda, aged about 45 years. He was a forester of Barahakumuda range.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a forest department team was carrying out patrolling inside Similipal Sanctuary at Gamuchajharan. During the operation, an exchange of fire broke out between the team members and a group of poachers on late Friday night.

The forest personnel intercepted the poachers. On seeing the forest officials, the poachers opened fire. Forester Mati Hansda, who sustained bullet injury on his chest, was immediately rushed to the hospital following the attack. However, he succumbed to the injury later.

Deputy director (Similipal north division) Sai Kiran reportedly said that the incident took place when forest staff intercepted some poachers and an exchange of fire followed.

A case has been registered in connection with the incident and an investigation has been launched.

It may be noted here that two forest department officials were killed in the past two months. A 35-year-old forest guard was shot dead by poachers last month in the Similipal forest. A poacher was also killed by forest department officials.